Triumphrat

Joemomma · 11-14-2012, 10:50 AM

I think they are looking to hit the somewhere around age 40-early 50's demographic...people that want the things they had or wanted back when they were young. The simplicity of this bike, the fact that it's a blank canvas and not terribly expensive COULD lead to decent sales. I doubt Triumph would lose many Bonnie sales to this bike; it's simply not the same guy. Seems more like the type of bike that would appeal to an empty-nester returning to motorcycling.

Cyclops116 · 11-14-2012, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leftarmlogan

I think what made the Bonneville be so successful is a combo of relatively low price, good looks and strong modification potential.

The Honda isn't going to be as big as it should be because of the price point, it needs to be at $8999 not $9999, something about paying $10,000 for a motorcycle makes me cringe!
Think you hit why the Bonneville's have been so successful! Price was a big reason I got mine, there are a LOT of bikes out there that I liked including the Ducati SportClassic but I didn't want to pay over $10k. When I found a Bonnie in great shape with less than 5000 miles for under $5k I was ecstatic

I also think that Triumph will lose customers when the Classic Twin line hits the $10k mark.

Oh and this seems to be more the bike they were going for, they should sell them with this color scheme to!

HAP · 11-15-2012, 08:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joemomma

I think they are looking to hit the somewhere around age 40-early 50's demographic...people that want the things they had or wanted back when they were young.
I doubt Triumph would lose many Bonnie sales to this bike; it's simply not the same guy.

Joe, I don't know if you read the first 7 pages of this thread but the majority of gushing, pining, wanting and planning on buying was done by existing Triumph riders.

I have believed for some time that Triumph is just a fill in bike for latent BMW, Honda, HD and Katie lovers just waiting for their love to be created by that company. Only a few die hard Triumph riders have sworn off this bike so far and I am worried we will lose quit a few members when that bike arrives here. Course we might get 90% back after they buy and ride the Timex. Bet they never acknowledge the mistake.

Aces · 11-15-2012, 09:56 AM

Bonnie/Thrux Styling > CB1100

BonnieBlack · 11-15-2012, 10:05 AM

Yeah, I don't think that many have discussed ditching their Triumph for this Honda. More just that they like the bike, and would consider it as an additional bike. Maybe not their next bike, but if there were room in the stable ...

I don't think we're going to lose too many members over this HAP

Anyways, rest assured, I'll always be here to keep you company.

leftarmlogan · 11-15-2012, 10:13 AM

I'll be here, too.

If I'm going to jump ship, it sure as Hell won't be to Honda.

BonnieBlack · 11-15-2012, 10:31 AM

Excellent, with three here there will always be someone for any pair of us to complain about.

nferr · 11-15-2012, 12:27 PM

I like the CB1100. A lot. I could see me getting one when I'm in the market for another bike.

Joemomma · 11-15-2012, 12:53 PM

It's a retro bike, but Honda was very careful to choose the niche that they fell in. We are all motorcyclists who love motorcycles, and most of us saw age 30 awhile ago, so it's natural that there will be a little overlap. This is a perfect bike to draw people who don't see their idea of a motorcycle on the market anymore. The UJM was a very successful platform, this certainly taps into that. Honda still has a better developed dealer network and a reputation for reliability; you have to be a bit more committed when your "local" dealer is hours away and parts take weeks or months to arrive.

This bike tickles no dendrites in my brain, but it's another choice. Hopefully one that can draw more latent motorcyclists into our fold.

BKK Jack · 11-15-2012, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HAP

Joe, I don't know if you read the first 7 pages of this thread but the majority of gushing, pining, wanting and planning on buying was done by existing Triumph riders.

I have believed for some time that Triumph is just a fill in bike for latent BMW, Honda, HD and Katie lovers just waiting for their love to be created by that company. Only a few die hard Triumph riders have sworn off this bike so far and I am worried we will lose quit a few members when that bike arrives here. Course we might get 90% back after they buy and ride the Timex. Bet they never acknowledge the mistake.

Interesting thoughts. My lifetime bike ownership goes thusly:

1. CB750F
2. VF500F
3. 750 Ninja (89)
4. CB-1
5. CBR400RR
6. NC30
7. SV650S (current)

I've also owned several Honda autos (currently drive a Fit - what can I say? I like small). Despite my obvious leanings, Honda hasn't made anything from about the mid 90's that interests me, and what they did make wasn't available in the U.S. - I rode the CBR and NC30 when I lived in Thailand.

I understand what they are trying to do, but if they really want to get some excitement back, they need to go back to innovating, instead of regurgitating. My 79 CB750 had dual overhead cams and 4 valves per cylinder, and I believe was the first production bike with that configuration. My 85 Interloper took that formula and used it in a V4 - also not common for production bikes at the time.

Yamaha might be on the right track with their 3/4 of an R-1 engine concept. I'd like to see one of the manufacturers lop a cylinder off their 600cc I4's and make a 450 triple. Build something similar to the Striple/Striple R in a smaller, lighter package, and they just might be surprised at what happens. I'd love to have a 450 triple in a CB-1 sized package.